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From the Top End to the top of the charts: VASSY has nothing to lose

From the Top End to the top of the charts: VASSY has nothing to lose

Thursday, 15 Dec 2016

It’s a long way from Darwin to the top of the American charts, but singer/songwriter/producer VASSY has proved that talent and hard work can take you far. Following collaborations with David Guetta and Tiësto, VASSY released her debut dance single Nothing To Lose earlier this year, and stormed the US Dance Radio chart, leaving Major Lazer, The Weeknd and Justin Bieber in her wake to claim the #1 spot.

With Tiësto calling her “one of my favourite singers in the world” and a distinctive voice that has graced Gold and Platinum tracks, VASSY is poised to be one of the electronic music world’s biggest stars. But VASSY, born Vasiliki Karagiorgos to Greek immigrant parents in the Top End of Australia, is no overnight success. She’s been in the game for more than 10 years, and had an early taste of success when she won triple j Unearthed back in 2003 and an APRA Professional Development Award in 2004.

Since then, VASSY has had her songs featured on the Frozen soundtrack, in Grey’s Anatomy and in commercials for brands including Target, Nickelodeon, Sketchers, Victoria’s Secret and Pepsi.

Nothing To Lose is her first solo foray in dance music, and was produced by Tiësto. She says it was thanks to the support of radio and DJs in the USA who knew her from anthems such as David Guetta and Showtek’s Bad and Tiësto and Kshmr’s Secrets that she was able to reach #1.

“I feel humbled considering who's on that list,” she says of topping the Dance Radio chart. “It’s all massive DJs like Calvin Harris and big pop stars like Bruno Mars, and then you have me - a girl all the way from Darwin.”​

VASSY attributes much of the success of Nothing To Lose to her striking vocals.

“Radio in the US likes a good hook you can sing along to,” says VASSY. “For me I think it’s about my voice.”

She says telling stories through words and finding strong hook lines are essential to creating great songs, and recommends making relationships and nurturing them to have a successful career as a songwriter.

“Collaborations are crucial and you learn a lot from others,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to ask people for their info to collaborate, but also remember that it’s all about timing.

​​“Put the work in, be consistent and don't give up. Oh, and did I say put the work in? It takes years - this won't happen in a year or two so be patient!​”